Punjab Govt Approves Six Underground Parking Plazas in Lahore

Right in the heart of Lahore in the historic Walled City is a jewel box of history and vibrant cultures. But to the person who is brazen enough to drive into this region of twisting alleys, one indisputable fact stands out with eerie brilliance, and it is this: it is as possible to secure parking space in this area as it is to find a needle in a haystack.

This everyday event creates the unification between residents and tourists in a universal meaning that has been a continuing dilemma to urban assemblers.

There is light at the end of the tunnel though. An ambitious plan to build six underground car parking plazas in the heart of this haunted precinct is now given go-ahead by the Punjab government. What is the vision of it?

To reduce the traffic to make it free and improve its access and at the same time not to lose that magical charm of this centuries old place.

Where Will They Be Located?

These new parks will be well placed to some of the most visited and ancient places within the city:

• Mochi Gate
• Sheranwala Gate
• Taxali Gate
• Delhi Gate
• Bhatti Gate
• Shah Alam Gate

Such an undertaking to establish these parking plazas underground is not a small one. The project budget of Rs 31.5 billion is massive and funded in its entirety by the provincial government.

With the Communication and Works (C&W) Department providing oversight of the construction, individual efforts will be made to allocate resources dependent upon the size and importance of each site in question.

Significantly, the Sheranwala Gate plaza will come with the biggest price of about Rs 8 billion. Bhatti Gate option on the other hand will be more cost-effective, which will be pegged at Rs 2 billion. The plazas located around Mochi, Taxali and Shah Alam gates are cost-estimated to be Rs 5.2 billion, Rs 5.2 billion and Rs 6 billion respectively with the Delhi Gate plaza costing Rs 6 billion.

Ring of Transformation of the Walled City

This scheme is not only about parking solutions; it is also about thinking of a modern lifestyle in town, in one of the oldest settled cities on earth. This parking underground would help the project to alleviate traffic congestion, rejuvenate local business and preserve historical preservation. The expected results will take all the inhabitants and visitors of the Walled City to higher living standards.

Traffic Congestion: Travelers will not be forced to spend most of their time looking around to find parking space, thus leading to traffic smoothness during rush hours.

Bringing Local Businesses to Life: Visitors will be attracted in droves to sharp, new shops and restaurants with easier access, a sense of community and patronage.

The Heritage: Created in sync with the old-world look, these plazas will serve the purpose of maintaining and safeguarding the architectural grandeur of the gates above, soothing the minds of the locals as well as the visiting tourists of their historical value.

A bold step in this direction to modernity is the project of this city, which boasts of a rich history. It is an ode to modernizing Lahore without losing the aspects that make it such a unique city.

There are no definite schedules announced as to when the work will be done and yet with some hints of optimism, it is a mood of euphoria among both residents and tourists alike. This initiative is a much-desired initiative by many as there is a lot of relief and pleasant experiences deemed to be enjoyed in the Walled City.

What about your answer to this ambitious plan? Do you think that these new underground parking plazas will eventually have solved the traffic woes of the Walled City?

We welcome you to comment with your ideas and issues regarding this innovative project. We can have serious discussion as we reflect on the future of Lahore.

WiseWheels PK – a platform that will constantly update and inform you about the latest news, analysis, and trends in the field of transport, mobility, and vehicles.